Australia: Disqualified Driver Sentenced to 14 Years for Fatal Crash Killing Mother

DOWNLOAD IPFS

A Queensland man has been handed a 14-year prison term after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of a Hervey Bay mother during a high-speed, alcohol fueled crash. Brett David Eddy, 42, admitted responsibility for the death of 43-year-old Tash Raven, who was struck and killed near her home in May 2024.

The Supreme Court in Brisbane heard that Eddy, whose license had been disqualified, was celebrating his birthday when he got behind the wheel after heavy drinking. Driving at speeds of up to 180 km/h through suburban streets, Eddy encouraged a young passenger to film his reckless behavior. Just moments later, his vehicle struck Ms Raven with devastating force. The impact caused catastrophic injuries, scattering remains across a large area, some of which were later disturbed by lawn-mowing equipment, a detail described by her family as harrowing.

Instead of stopping to help, Eddy fled and attempted to mislead investigators, claiming teenagers had thrown concrete at his car. Justice Peter Davis condemned this conduct as “cowardly,” saying it showed little remorse. Although Eddy later expressed regret, apologizing for taking “someone’s daughter and mother,” the judge noted these words came only when faced with overwhelming evidence.

The victim’s family delivered powerful statements during sentencing. Her brother, Josh, recounted the confronting scene he found, with police marking areas where his sister’s remains lay. “They were so far apart I could not even fathom it happening in real life. It is a smell I will never forget,” he told the court.

Justice Davis also pointed to Eddy’s long history of driving offences and repeated defiance of court orders, calling the crash “entirely avoidable.” The presence of a child in the car was described as an aggravating factor. Eddy’s record of ignoring legal restrictions on his driving highlighted the risks he posed to the community.

As part of the sentence, Eddy has been permanently banned from driving. He will be eligible for parole in November 2033, factoring in time already spent in custody.

The case has reignited calls for stronger measures against disqualified and impaired drivers. Road safety advocates emphasized that the tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel. For Ms Raven’s family, the sentence provides some accountability, but it cannot fill the void left by the loss of a loved mother, sister, and friend.